Earlier today we received an update from the Blizzard team, explaining that Overwatch is evolving and that one of the first steps in this so-called evolution is increased communication and a consistent cadence of updates for the Overwatch community. As such, Blizzard announced that they are changing their release strategy for Overwatch 2 by “decoupling” the PvP and PvE elements of the game. Essentially, PvP for Overwatch 2 will launch first while the team continues to work on PvE.
You can hear more about this from Game Director Aaron Keller in the most recent developer update, below:
Closed alpha testing for Overwatch 2 PvP begins today in select regions and includes Blizzard employees, Overwatch League pros, and a few other select groups to help Blizzard prepare for wider testing.
Following this, the first beta test for all regions will take place in April, exclusively for PC players. This closed beta will include a larger group of testers who we will be asked to provide gameplay feedback. The goal for this phase is to test new features, content, and systems before stress-testing the servers with a wider player base in future Beta tests.
This first PvP Beta will include the most significant release we’ve had since launch including:
- New Damage Hero: Sojourn
- New Game Mode: Push
- 5v5 Multiplayer
- Hero Reworks
- 4 New Maps
You can sign up to request access to the Overwatch 2 PvP Beta 1 now on PlayOverwatch.com. Players will be granted access in phases, and Blizzard will add more and more players as they progress through the upcoming beta phases. Blizzard will also be sharing regular updates about what to expect in this first beta in the weeks leading up until its launch.
